Filming has begun on the new series BBC murder mystery drama Shetland.
The long-running title, starring Ashley Jensen and Alison O’Donnell, is now one of a growing list of BBC dramas from Scotland, including Richard Gadd’s Half Man, new legal drama Counsels, Grams, The Young Team and Mint.
As well as these new titles, Scotland is home to returning drama series Rebus (series 2), Vigil (series 3) and Granite Harbour (series 3).
Shetland – a Silverprint Pictures (part of ITV Studios) production – will film in locations around Scotland and on the Shetland Isles over the coming months with the series arriving on BBC iPlayer and BBC One later this year
Originally based on award-winning novels by crime writer Ann Cleeves, the forthcoming new series centres around an historic murder which will forever change the lives of all those connected in the present day.
When a car is pulled from the water, a grim discovery is made – crammed in the boot are the decomposed, skeletal remains of an unknown male. The team’s search to uncover the victim’s identity, begins with a hunt for the vehicle’s owner – a respected, local GP who left the Isles under a cloud of troubled rumours nine years ago.
Paul Logue is the lead writer of the new series of Shetland, alongside Anita Vettesse and Ross Dunsmore. The series is produced by Angus Sharpe and directed by Ruth Carney and Jonny Blair. Executive Producers are Gaynor Holmes for the BBC, Kate Bartlett, Paul Logue and Denise Paul for Silverprint Pictures.
Gaynor Holmes, Commissioning Editor for the BBC says: “This new series of Shetland is brimming with twists, turns, and the kind of emotional punch that keeps viewers hooked. Paul Logue has once again spun a gripping, atmospheric story, with the wild beauty of the Shetland Isles at its heart. Alison and Ashley lead our stellar core cast who are joined by a brilliant line‑up of guest stars and supported by a crew whose craft and passion shine through in every frame—together showcasing Scotland on screen at its very best.”
Kate Bartlett, Executive Producer for Silverprint Pictures says: “We’re so excited about this new series of Shetland with Ashley and Alison, alongside our wonderful returning cast and a fantastic guest cast. Paul Logue has created a distinctive and emotionally complex story, set against the stunning and evocative landscape of the Shetland Isles. We’re thrilled to be making this new series with such incredible Scottish talent in all areas of production.”
Shetland will be distributed internationally by ITV Studios.
Shetland is loved by millions of fans on BBC iPlayer and BBC One and it was in the top five most watched BBC Drama series of 2025. In Scotland, it remained the No.1 BBC Drama with audiences.
Pippa Considine
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